What To Consider When Selecting A Fashion Show Venue

Location, Location, Location. This illustrious word echoed three times has become a defining sentiment of New York City lifestyle. Making the right venue selection for your fashion show can heighten the creative impact of your event; elevating the experience to the next level. It is important to know precisely what you and your guests will need from an ideal venue location. Below we define the four factors—from creative to logistic—to consider when selecting a memorable fashion show venue.

Continuing The Narrative
Every fashion collection has a narrative. The inspiration during the creative process creates a unique perspective on design, and also influences the narrative behind the wearer. The clothes lead a story; she is a trendy Parisian 20-year-old lounging at a brasserie with her girlfriends or a jet-setting business women traveling to Marrakech on vacation. The clothes are the starting point, and the runway is the 15-minute expression of the full story. The venue plays an integral part in tying this narrative together. From the architecture, to the height of the ceilings, to the history of the venue, everything attributes to the final interpretation of your collection. In addition to visual compatibility, you need to consider whether your venue is able to accommodate a runway platform that suits your desired specs.

Event Flow
One of the first things to consider is how your venue will facilitate event flow. New York Fashion Week is a chaotic time, yet you still want everything to run as close to perfect as possible. Your special events and PR team will be dealing with lots of press, talent and VIP guests, so check-ins need to be easy and smooth in order for guests to move along quickly and begin their event experience. Once your guests are through check-in, you’ll want them to have a top notch experience.

Theatrics And Special Effects
Every fashion brand has their defining aesthetic. Brands that are known for their eccentricity, often take to the runway to push creative boundaries, providing viewers an unparalleled sensory experience. Designers are becoming more and more experimental; incorporating special effects, live design demos, dance choreography and more. Take for example Alexander McQueen’s 2006 “Widows of Culloden” show in Paris that featured a moving hologram Kate Moss on the runway. This groundbreaking special effect quickly received worldwide notoriety and became a highlight of Paris fashion week. If you are looking to create a similar buzz by incorporating theatrics and special effects in your show, make sure your venue is equipped to facilitate these unique features.

Venue Reputation
Fashion runway shows are unlike any other events. The amount of production, from set design to lighting and staging, makes hosting a fashion show a unique undertaking. Choosing a venue that has experience executing such events will make the world of difference. Arrange a meeting with the event venue coordinator to reference their experience level. Experienced event coordinators will be equipped to help overcome any challenges that may arise, and even suggest ideas to elevate the show. Ask to see a portfolio of the venue’s past work to get a better sense of their familiarity and experience hosting high production fashion shows.

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